Carnival Making Big Moves on the Space Coast

Speak softly and carry a big SHIP – that’s the new motto for us here on Florida’s Space Coast thanks to Carnival Cruise Lines’ latest announcement.

By 2020, Carnival Cruise Line will be bringing its two largest ships to Port Canaveral. This exciting move is expected to benefit many local businesses in our area with more pre- and post-cruise tourist dollars coming our way. Because, as we know, cruising tourists love to extend their vacation before and after their long sea voyages to soak up a bit more sunshine and enjoy the best hotels, restaurants and attractions our coast has to offer.

The first of the two big ships joining the Space Coast fleet, Carnival Breeze, will make its way to Port Canaveral this fall. Weighing in at a whopping 130,000 tons, Carnival Breeze – which can carry nearly 3,700 passengers along with its crew of about 1,400 – will be the newest and largest Carnival ship to sail from our charming port.

However, this record will be short-lived. In August 2020, Carnival will be docking a newer, bigger, better ship at the port. In fact, the as-yet-unnamed ship will be the cruise line’s largest ship ever, weighing in at a mighty 180,000 tons with a maximum capacity of 6,500 guests.

In anticipation of the new ships’ arrival, Port Canaveral will also be expanded, as part of a new long-term agreement between our Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners and Carnival. Port Canaveral and the cruise line are jointly investing in a new Cruise Terminal 3, which will reportedly be dubbed “Terminal Launch Pad,” as a tribute to our region’s heritage.